§ Mrs. Ann WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Education (1) if he will give a breakdown of the membership of each of the committees which have been established to advise his Department about the national curriculum and associated matters; and if he will indicate in each case those representatives which have been appointed to represent the primary school sector;
(2) if he will make a statement giving details of his policy in connection with the level of representation of (a) the primary school sector and (b) the secondary school sector upon those committees which provide advice to his Department about the national curriculum and associated matters.
§ Mr. Robin SquireThe School Curriculum and Assessment Authority, under the chairmanship of Sir Ron Dearing, has the main responsibility for advising my right hon. Friend on the national curriculum and associated matters.
My right hon. Friend announced the authority's membership on 14 September. All 14 members have been appointed on the basis of their individual expertise and experience rather than as representatives. They include a 440W teacher and a headteacher from the primary school sector, a college principal with wide experience of primary education, the headmaster of a seven to 18 school, three secondary heads and the headteacher of a special school.